Metro strike threat lifted after talks

Industrial action has already brought trains to a standstill

The immediate threat of further strike action on the Tyne and Wear Metro has been lifted after talks between unions and managers.

Metro operator, Nexus, met with officials from the four unions which represent staff on the system on Monday.

The unions involved in the talks were Amicus, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, Aslef and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU).

Last weekend, 450 workers in the Amicus and RMT unions staged a 24-hour strike.

They were protesting over plans for a 35-hour week.

The unions say conditions attached to the shorter working week made the offer unacceptable.

Up to 120,000 passengers had to find an alternative way to make their journey during the strike.

After the talks, which broke up at 1800 GMT on Monday, a Nexus spokesman said a further meeting had been arranged for 5 February.

He said: "The discussions have been constructive and a further meeting has been arranged.

"This formal process will consider better pay, better working conditions and the way to achieving a shorter working week.

"The threat of further strike action has been lifted and we are hopeful of finding a permanent solution."